Hey guys, my r56 has 92k miles. What would you estimate that the cost to do a waterpump // accessory belt + maybe tensioner pulley, would be? I have a high pitch winning sound that increases with throttle. It sounds like a water pump to me, and figure I should preemptively replace it. How often should these be replaced?

Cost estimates?

 

Depends on the shop and rate, part cost here: Post #62.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...acement-3.html


The whine might be the transmission, have you checked that?

 

High pitch whining with increasing motor rpm sounds more like the alternator is the culprit. But if it's water pump you'll address, then try to locate the metal impeller version from ECS, it'll come with the gasket. A bad belt tensioner will not likely cause whine, it'll produce more of a bad chatter or intermittent squeak, but once warmed up real good, only chatter. The friction wheel (device which drives the water pump from the crank pulley), may be worth investigating. I've had 4 of these go out on three mini's so far, and they either melt or have break offs in the plastic housing. None of my case caused a whine noise, but I can imagine if it melts/breaks in a coincidal manner, it may cause whine. If you are going to replace the friction wheel, at least go with Dayco brand. URO brand is a piece of junk. OEM is best of course, but who'd want to spend all that money buying parts?

If you go to indy shop, you should try to collect the quality brand parts on your own for peaceful mind after, just bring the parts to the shop and ask if they can install them for you. But the shop may not uphold their post-repair guarantee because you bring your own parts. It's the only downside so be sure to find a shop with plenty experience on Mini's. If you'll just let the indy shop source parts for you and take their guarantee, at least strive for a year of protection because they most times get the cheapest part and brands, I cringe when I think about it, it's why I just do everything on my own. Working on these cars is like working with LEGO toys. It's actually not that bad if you have all the tools to get the job done. Good luck.

 

Not a transmission thing, but good guess. Strictly related to RPM.

 

Appreciate the thoughts. Altenator is an interesting theory - just seems like it is not time yet for that to crap out -- Usually altenators last for more miles done they? @ 92K this R56 has never had any belts replaced, and waterpumps are known to crap out on this car -- or at least i thought they were.

 

Ok, might be that tensioner pulley then.